Syringe Carrier

ABSTRACT

Described is a syringe carrier comprising a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. The body includes two sections having distal ends with shoulder sections. The shoulder sections are adapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/353,282, filed Mar. 14, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/976,824, filed May 10, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,646,656, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/362,537, filed Jun. 3, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.10,434,258, which is a U.S. National Phase Application pursuant to 35U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2012/074466 filedDec. 5, 2012, which claims priority to European Patent Application No.11192585.5 filed Dec. 8, 2011. The entire disclosure contents of theseapplications are herewith incorporated by reference into the presentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to syringe carrier.

BACKGROUND

In a conventional medicament delivery device (e.g., an autoinjector), apre-filled syringe is housed in a carrier which is axially movable toachieve needle penetration in an injection site and, optionally, needlewithdrawal. A conventional carrier provides shoulders that are adaptedto engage a neck on the syringe and prevent the syringe from disengagingthe carrier. Because syringes are generally supplied with rigid needleshields covering the needle and those needle shields have a diametergreater than a diameter between the shoulders, a separate assembly stepis required—inserting the syringe in the carrier and then attaching therigid needle shield to the needle. Accordingly, there is a need for asyringe carrier which does not require this separate assembly step.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved syringecarrier.

In an exemplary embodiment, a syringe carrier according to the presentinvention comprises a body adapted to receive a barrel of a syringe. Thebody includes two sections having distal ends with shoulder sectionsadapted to engage a circumferential gap between the barrel of thesyringe and a needle shield covering a needle of the syringe.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sections are resiliently coupled to acollar on a proximal end of the body. The shoulder sections deflect whenengaged by the needle shield and return to a non-deflected position whendisengaged by the needle shield to engage the circumferential gapbetween the barrel of the syringe and the needle shield.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sections are resiliently coupled to acollar on a distal end of the body. The sections deflect when engaged bythe needle shield and return to a non-deflected position when disengagedby the needle shield to engage a finger flange of the syringe. The bodyincludes resilient arms having additional shoulder sections adapted toengage the circumferential gap between the barrel of the syringe and aneedle shield covering a needle of the syringe. The arms deflect whenengaged by the needle shield and return to a non-deflected position whendisengaged by the needle shield to engage the circumferential gapbetween the barrel of the syringe and a needle shield.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sections are coupled via at least onehinge and are movable between an open position and a closed position. Afirst section includes a pin adapted to engage a hole on a secondsection to secure the sections in the closed position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sections are coupled via at least oneclip and are movable between an open position and a closed position. Theat least one clip includes a hook on a first section adapted to engagean eye on a second section to secure the sections in the closedposition.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sections include doors hingedly coupledto the body and additional shoulder sections are formed on distal endsof the doors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof a neck of the syringe and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut theneedle shield.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body includes one or more viewingwindows.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body includes a retainer element adaptedto provide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe from disengagingthe syringe carrier in a proximal direction.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by way of illustration only, since various changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitiveof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrieraccording to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1 in thesection plane A-A,

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a top view of another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 6 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5,

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5 in thesection plane A-A,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5,

FIG. 9 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 10 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9,

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 9with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 14 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14,

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14,

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 14with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 19 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 20 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19,

FIG. 21 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19,

FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 19with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 24 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 25 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24,

FIG. 26 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24,

FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 24with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 29 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 30 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29,

FIG. 31 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29,

FIG. 33 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 29with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 34 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 35 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34,

FIG. 36 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34 inthe section plane A-A,

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34,

FIG. 38 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 34with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 39 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 40 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39,

FIG. 41 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39 inthe section plane B-B,

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39,

FIG. 43 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 39with a syringe inserted,

FIG. 44 is a top view of yet another exemplary embodiment of a syringecarrier according to the present invention,

FIG. 45 is a lateral view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44,

FIG. 46 is a longitudinal section of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44 inthe section plane B-B,

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44, and

FIG. 48 is another perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 44with a syringe inserted.

Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in allfigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, and applicable to all exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, the syringe 2 comprises a barrel 2.1 and a neck 2.2 which hasa smaller diameter than the barrel 2.1. A needle 3 is mounted to theneck 2.2 and a rigid needle shield (RNS) 4 is removably arranged on theneedle 3. When coupled to the needle 3, a portion of the RNS may cover aportion of the neck 2.2, leaving a circumferential gap between thebarrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The RNS 4 has a diameter substantially equalto the diameter of the barrel 2.1.

FIGS. 1-4 show a first exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present in invention. FIG. 1 is a top view of thesyringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 2 is a lateral viewof the syringe carrier of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section ofthe syringe carrier of FIG. 1 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 4 is aperspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 1 without the syringe 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment,the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an internal diametercorresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The body 1.1 comprisesa collar 1.2 at a proximal end dimensioned to allow axial insertion ofthe syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 in a distal direction D.Resilient sections 1.1.1 extend distally from the collar 1.2. Distalends of the sections 1.1.1 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped asportions of a circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to alongitudinal axis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facingsurfaces 6. When the sections 1.1.1 are in a non-deflected position, thefacing surfaces 6 may abut each other, and the shoulder sections 1.4form a circular shoulder (because the facing surfaces 6 abut each other)adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and theRNS 4.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 in the distal direction Dinto the syringe carrier 2. When the RNS 4 abuts the shoulder sections1.4, additional axial force may be applied to cause the arms 1.3 todeflect radially. When the RNS 4 has bypassed the shoulder sections 1.4,the sections 1.1.1 may return to the non-deflected position, and theshoulder sections 1.4 may engage the circumferential gap between thebarrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 and prevent the syringe 2 from moving in thedistal direction D relative to the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 of the body 1.1 may bearranged to receive a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe 2.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in thebody 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplaryembodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the arms 1.3 aresubstantially contiguous when the arms 1.3 are in the non-deflectedposition (as shown in FIG. 1). A projection 1.6 may be formed aroundeach cut-out, and when the sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflectedposition, the projections 1.6 may form an outline for the window 5. Inanother exemplary embodiment, the windows 5 may be formed in thesections 1.1.1.

FIGS. 5-8 show a second exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a lateral view of thesyringe carrier 1 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal section of thesyringe carrier 1 of FIG. 5 in the section plane A-A. FIG. 8 is aperspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG. 5 without the syringe 2.

As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment,the body 1.1 is comprised of two resilient sections 1.1.1 which, whentogether, have a cylindrical shape with an internal diametercorresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. Distal ends of thesections 1.1.1 of the body 1.1 comprise part of a collar 1.2 dimensionedto allow axial insertion of the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1.Resilient arms 1.3 are formed in the body 1.1. Distal ends of the arms1.3 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circlearranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis ofthe carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When thearms 1.3 are in a non-deflected position, the facing surfaces 6 may abutthe distal ends of the sections 1.1.1 of the body 1.1 to form a circularshoulder adapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel2.1 and the RNS 4.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 in the distal direction Dinto the syringe carrier 2. When the RNS 4 abuts proximal ends of thesections 1.1.1, the sections 1.1.1 may deflect radially. When the RNS 4has bypassed the proximal ends of the section 1.1.1, the sections 1.1.1may return to the non-deflected position. When the RNS 4 abuts theshoulder sections 1.4, the arms 1.3 may deflect until the RNS 4 bypassesthe shoulder sections 1.4. Then, the arms 1.3 may return to thenon-deflected position, and the shoulder sections 1.4 and the collar 1.2may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4and prevent the syringe 2 from moving in the distal direction D relativeto the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 of the body 1.1 may bearranged to receive a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe 2. The proximalend 1.5 may also include a retainer element 1.7 which is adapted toprovide an abutment surface to prevent the syringe 2 from disengagingthe syringe carrier 1 in the proximal direction D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in thebody 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplaryembodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the sections 1.1.1are substantially contiguous when the sections 1.1.1 are in thenon-deflected position (as shown in FIG. 5). A projection 1.6 may beformed around each cut-out, and when the sections 1.1.1 are in thenon-deflected position, the projections 1.6 may form an outline for thewindow 5.

FIGS. 9-13 show a third exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a top view of a thirdembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 10 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 9 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.9 without the syringe 2. FIG. 13 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 9.

As shown in FIGS. 9-13, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongate body1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplary embodiment,the body 1.1 is comprised of two sections 1.1.1 which, when together,have a cylindrical shape with an internal diameter corresponding to thediameter of the barrel 2.1. The sections 1.1.1 may be coupled by a sidehinge which allows the section 1.1.1 to rotate relative to each othersufficient to receive the syringe 2. Proximal and distal ends of thesections 1.1.1 include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of acircle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinalaxis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6.When the sections 1.1.1 are in a closed position, the facing surfaces 6may abut each other so that the shoulder sections 1.4 form circularshoulders adapted to proximally abut a finger flange 2.3 on the syringe2 and to distally engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1and the RNS 4. The facing surfaces 6 of one section 1.1.1 may includeholes 1.10 and the facing surfaces 6 of the other section 1.1.1 mayinclude pins 1.11 adapted to engage (e.g., frictionally, snap-fit, etc.)the holes 1.10 to secure the sections 1.1.1 in the closed position.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by opening the sections 1.1.1 about the hinge andplacing the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 2. When the sections 1.1.1are closed, the pins 1.11 engage the holes 1.10, and the proximalshoulder sections 1.4 form circular shoulders adapted to proximally abuta finger flange 2.3 on the syringe 2 and the distal shoulder sections1.4 to distally engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axiallyrelative to the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end 1.5 may include a retainerelement 1.7 which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to preventthe syringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows 5 may be arranged in thebody 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In an exemplaryembodiment, the windows 5 are formed when cut-outs in the sections 1.1.1are substantially contiguous when the sections 1.1.1 are in the closedposition. A projection 1.6 may be formed around each cut-out, and whenthe sections 1.1.1 are in the non-deflected position, the projections1.6 may form an outline for the window 5.

FIGS. 14-18 show a fourth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 14 is a top view of a fourthembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 15 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 14 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.14 without the syringe 2. FIG. 18 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 14.

As shown in FIGS. 14-18, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an internaldiameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. A distal endof the body 1.1 includes a shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion ofa circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinalaxis of the carrier 1, and at least one door 1.12 hingedly coupled tothe body 1.1 and including a shoulder section 1.4. A hinge 1.9 couplingthe door 1.12 to the body 1.1 may be provided on an axis parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the syringe carrier 1 or on an axis transverse tothe longitudinal axis of the syringe carrier 1. The shoulder section 1.4includes facing surfaces 6 which abut facing surfaces 6 of the door 1.12when the door 1.12 is in a closed position (as shown in FIG. 14). Whenthe door 1.12 is in the closed position, the facing surfaces 6 may abuteach other so that the shoulder sections 1.4 on the body 1.1 and thedoor 1.12 to form a circular shoulder adapted to engage thecircumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The facingsurfaces 6 of the door 1.12 may include holes 1.10 and the facingsurfaces 6 of the body 1.1 may include pins 1.11 (or vice-versa) adaptedto engage (e.g., frictionally, snap-fit, etc.) the holes 1.10 to securethe door 1.12 in the closed position.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by opening the door 1.12 and sliding the syringe 2into the syringe carrier 1. When the circumferential gap between thebarrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 engages the shoulder section 1.4 on the body1.1, the door 1.12 may be closed to engage the gap and prevent thesyringe 2 from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows (not shown) may be arrangedin the body 1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of thesyringe 2 when the syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2. In anexemplary embodiment, the windows are formed as cut-outs.

FIGS. 19-23 show a fifth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a top view of a fifthembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 20 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 19 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.19 without the syringe 2. FIG. 23 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 19.

As shown in FIGS. 19-23, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 is comprised of two sections 1.1.1 which, whentogether, have a cylindrical shape with an internal diametercorresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. The sections 1.1.1 maybe coupled together by clips. In an exemplary embodiment, a clip maycomprise a eye 1.14 on a first section adapted to engage a hook 1.13 ona second section. The eye 1.14 may have a cross-section substantiallyequal to the cross-section of the hook 1.13 such that the eye 1.14 andhook 1.13 engage in a snap-fit. Distal ends of the sections 1.1.1include shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as portions of a circle arranged ina transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier 1.The shoulder sections include facing surfaces 6. When the sections 1.1.1are in a closed position, the facing surfaces 6 may abut each other sothat the shoulder sections 1.4 form circular shoulders adapted engagethe circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Those ofskill in the art will understand that the sections 1.1.1 may be hingedlyconnected.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by opening the sections 1.1.1 and placing thesyringe 2 in the syringe carrier 2. When the sections 1.1.1 are closed,the eyes 1.14 engage the hooks 1.13 and the shoulder sections 1.4 engagethe circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, thesyringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringecarrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, viewing windows may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

FIGS. 24-28 show a sixth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 24 is a top view of a sixthembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 25 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 24 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.24 without the syringe 2. FIG. 28 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 24.

As shown in FIGS. 24-28, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has a partially cylindrical shape with aninternal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. Thebody 1.1 may include a longitudinal slot (e.g., a cut-out) which isadapted to snap over the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2. Proximal anddistal ends of the body 1.1 include clamps 1.15, 1.16 which are adaptedto retain the syringe 2 when in the syringe carrier 1. The distal end ofthe body 1 further includes shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion ofa circle arranged in a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinalaxis of the carrier 1. The shoulder sections 14 form circular shouldersadapted to engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and theRNS 4.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by pressing the barrel 2.1 against the clamps1.15, 1.16, causing the clamps 1.15, 1.16 to deflect and widen thelongitudinal slot in the body 1.1. When the barrel 2.1 bypasses theclamps 1.15, 1.16, the clamps 1.15, 1.16 return to their non-deflectedposition and retain the syringe 2 in the syringe carrier 1. The shouldersections 1.4 engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 andthe RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relativeto the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

FIGS. 29-33 show a seventh exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 29 is a top view of a seventhembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 30 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 29. FIG. 31 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 29 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.29 without the syringe 2. FIG. 33 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 29.

As shown in FIGS. 29-33, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has a partially cylindrical shape with aninternal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the barrel 2.1. Thebody 1.1 includes a collar 1.2 at its proximal end and may include alongitudinal slot (e.g., a cut-out) formed in the body 1.1 distally ofthe collar 1.2 which is adapted to snap over the barrel 2.1 of thesyringe 2. A pair of groove hinges 1.17 may be formed in the body 1.1adjacent a proximal end of the slot. The distal end of the body 1includes shoulder sections 1.4 shaped as a portion of a circle arrangedin a transverse plane with respect to a longitudinal axis of the carrier1. The shoulder sections 14 form circular shoulders adapted to engagethe circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 through the collar 1.2 inthe distal direction D. When the RNS 4 abuts the shoulder sections 1.4,the body 1.1 may radially deflect (e.g., rotate) about the groove hinges1.17. When the RNS 4 bypasses the shoulder sections 1.4, the body 1.1may return to its non-deflected position and retain the syringe 2 in thesyringe carrier 1. The shoulder sections 1.4 engage the circumferentialgap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, the syringe 2 isprevented from moving axially relative to the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

FIGS. 34-38 show an eighth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 34 is a top view of an eighthembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 35 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 34. FIG. 36 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 34 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.34 without the syringe 2. FIG. 38 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 34.

As shown in FIGS. 34-38, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an annular groove1.19 adjacent its distal end which is adapted to engage a circlip 8. Thecirclip 8 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 1.2 andthe RNS 4.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3 and the circlip 8attached to the syringe 2, may be loaded into the syringe carrier 1 bysliding the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 in the distal directionD. In a non-deflected position, an outer diameter of the circlip 8 maybe substantially equal to a diameter of the body 1.1. Thus, when thesyringe 2 with the circlip 8 is inserted into the syringe carrier 1, thecirclip 8 may deflect radially until the circlip 8 reaches the annulargroove 1.19. The circlip 8 may then expand to the non-deflected positionand retain the syringe 2 in an axial position relative to the syringecarrier 1. That is, the circlip 8 may engage the annular groove 1.19 andthe circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. Thus, thesyringe 2 is prevented from moving axially relative to the syringecarrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

FIGS. 39-43 show a ninth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1according to the present invention. FIG. 39 is a top view of a ninthembodiment of a syringe carrier 1 for supporting a syringe 2. FIG. 40 isa lateral view of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 39. FIG. 41 is alongitudinal section of the syringe carrier 1 of FIG. 39 in the sectionplane A-A. FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the syringe carrier of FIG.39 without the syringe 2. FIG. 43 is another perspective view of thesyringe carrier of FIG. 39.

As shown in FIGS. 39-43, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has a cylindrical shape with an annular groove1.19 having at least one aperture 1.20 adjacent its distal end which isadapted to engage a circlip 8.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by sliding the syringe 2 into the syringe carrier1 in the distal direction D. When the circumferential gap between thebarrel 2.1 and the RNS 4 is aligned with the annular groove 1.19, thecirclip 8 may be coupled to the body 1.1 and engage the apertures 1.20.By extending inwardly through the apertures, the circlip 8 may becoupled to the outside of the body 1.1 but engage the circumferentialgap between the barrel 2.1 and the RNS 4. The engagement between thecirclip 8 and the apertures 1.20 prevents the circlip 8 from translatingrelative to the body 1.1, and the engagement between the circlip 8 andthe circumferential gap prevents the syringe 2 from moving axiallyrelative to the syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder sections 1.4 may includeproximally-facing contoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portionof the neck 2.2 of the syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces toabut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

FIGS. 44-48 show a tenth exemplary embodiment of a syringe carrier 1 anda tool 9 for inserting a syringe 2 into the syringe carrier 1 accordingto the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 39-43, the syringe carrier 1 comprises an elongatebody 1.1 arranged to receive the barrel 2.1. In this exemplaryembodiment, the body 1.1 has an enlarged portion 1.21 on its distal end.The body 1.1 has cylindrical shape with a first diameter and theenlarged portion 1.21 has a second diameter, larger than the firstdiameter. The enlarged portion 1.21 has one or more resilient barbs 1.22extending toward a longitudinal axis of the body 1.1 and angled toward aproximal end of the body 1.1.

The syringe 2, with RNS 4 attached to the needle 3, may be loaded intothe syringe carrier 1 by inserting the tool 9 into the enlarged portion1.21 of the syringe carrier 1. The tool 9 may be a cylinder having anopen end adapted to receive the RNS 4. The tool 9 may have a thirddiameter substantially equal to the second diameter. As the tool 9 isinserted into the enlarged portion 1.21, the tool 9 engages and deflectsthe resilient barbs 1.22. When the barbs 1.22 are deflected, the RNS 4can pass the barbs 1.22 in the distal direction D and extend from adistal opening of the body 1.1. When a finger flange 2.3 of the syringe2 abuts a proximal end of the body 1.1, the tool 9 may be removed andthe barbs 1.22 may engage the circumferential gap between the barrel 2.1and the RNS 4 to prevent the syringe 2 from moving axially relative tothe syringe carrier 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the proximal end may include a retainerelement which is adapted to provide an abutment surface to prevent thesyringe 2 from disengaging the syringe carrier 1 in the proximaldirection D.

In an exemplary embodiment, the barbs 1.22 may include proximally-facingcontoured surfaces to accommodate a proximal portion of the neck 2.2 ofthe syringe 2 and distally-facing planar surfaces to abut the RNS 4.

In an exemplary embodiment, a viewing window may be arranged in the body1.1 for allowing visual access to the barrel 2.1 of the syringe 2 whenthe syringe 2 is in the syringe carrier 2.

It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the number ofdeflectable arms 1.3, shoulder sections 1.4, clips 8 may be variedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Likewise,all the illustrated embodiments may be implemented with or withoutviewing windows 5, projections 1.6, restraining features retainerelements 1.7 and clips. Different kinds of clips may likewise beapplied.

Those of skill in the art will understand that modifications (additionsand/or removals) of various components of the apparatuses, methodsand/or systems and embodiments described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the full scope and spirit of the present invention, whichencompass such modifications and any and all equivalents thereof.

1. (canceled)
 2. A syringe carrier comprising: an elongate body defininga recess configured to receive a barrel of a syringe, the elongate bodydefining a slot extending proximally from a distal end of the elongatebody such that the elongate body has a c-shaped distal end region; andone or more semi-annular projections extending radially inward from thec-shaped distal end region of the elongate body, wherein the c-shapeddistal end region of the elongate body is configured to flex radiallyoutward as a rigid needle shield of the syringe is slid along the one ormore semi-annular projections extending radially inward from thec-shaped distal end region and to rebound radially inward when aproximal end of the rigid needle shield has moved distal to the one ormore semi-annular projections, and the one or more semi-annularprojections is configured to be disposed in a gap between a barrel ofthe syringe and the rigid needle shield when the proximal end of therigid needle shield has moved distal to the one or more semi-annularprojections.
 3. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein the one or moresemi-annular projections is configured to contact a distal end of thebarrel of the syringe when the proximal end of the rigid needle shieldhas moved distal to the one or more semi-annular projections and thec-shaped distal end region of the syringe carrier has rebounded radiallyinward.
 4. The syringe carrier of claim 3, wherein the one or moresemi-annular projections is configured to restrict distal axial movementof the syringe relative to the syringe carrier.
 5. The syringe carrierof claim 2, wherein the c-shaped distal end region of the syringecarrier is configured to restrict distal axial movement of the syringerelative to the syringe carrier when the one or more semi-annularprojections is disposed in the gap between the barrel of the syringe andthe rigid needle shield.
 6. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein theelongate body and the one or more semi-annular projections areintegrally formed with one another.
 7. The syringe carrier of claim 2,wherein the syringe carrier comprises a collar at a proximal end of theelongate body.
 8. The syringe carrier of claim 7, wherein the slotextends from the distal end of the elongate body approximately to thecollar.
 9. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein each of the one ormore semi-annular projections has a proximally-facing contoured surface.10. The syringe carrier of claim 9, wherein the proximally-facingcontoured surface of each of the one or more semi-annular projections isconfigured to accommodate a proximal portion of a neck of the syringewhen the one or more semi-annular projections is disposed in the gapbetween the barrel of the syringe and the rigid needle shield.
 11. Thesyringe carrier of claim 9, wherein each of the one or more semi-annularprojections has a distally-facing planar surface.
 12. The syringecarrier of claim 11, wherein the distally-facing planar surface of eachof the one or more projections is configured to abut a proximal end ofthe rigid needle shield of the syringe when the one or more semi-annularprojections is disposed in the gap between the barrel of the syringe andthe rigid needle shield.
 13. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein theone or more semi-annular projections comprises a plurality ofsemi-annular projections.
 14. The syringe carrier of claim 2, whereinthe one or more semi-annular projections is a single semi-annularprojection.
 15. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein the rigid needleshield has an outer diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter ofthe barrel of the syringe.
 16. The syringe carrier of claim 2, whereinthe rigid needle shield has an outer diameter greater than an innerdiameter defined by the one or more semi-annular projections when thec-shaped distal end region of the syringe carrier is in an unflexedposition.
 17. The syringe carrier of claim 2, wherein the rigid needleshield has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter defined bythe one or more semi-annular projections when the c-shaped distal endregion of the syringe carrier is rebounded radially inward.
 18. Thesyringe carrier of claim 2, wherein the body of the syringe carrierdefines a window for allowing visual access to the barrel of the syringewhen the syringe is in the syringe carrier.
 19. The syringe carrier ofclaim 2, wherein the syringe carrier is configured such that a fingerflange at a proximal end of the syringe is spaced proximally from aproximal open end of the syringe carrier when the syringe is fullyinserted in the syringe carrier.
 20. The syringe carrier of claim 2,wherein a proximal end of the syringe carrier comprises a first radialprotrusion and a second radial protrusion opposite the first radialprotrusion.
 21. The syringe carrier of claim 20, wherein acircumferential region of the syringe carrier between the first andsecond radial protrusions is free of radial protrusions.
 22. An assemblycomprising: a syringe comprising a rigid needle shield; and a syringecarrier comprising: an elongate body defining a recess configured toreceive a barrel of the syringe, the elongate body defining a slotextending proximally from a distal end of the elongate body such thatthe elongate body has a c-shaped distal end region; and one or moresemi-annular projections extending radially inward from the c-shapeddistal end region of the elongate body, wherein the c-shaped distal endregion of the elongate body is configured to flex radially outward asthe rigid needle shield of the syringe is slid along the one or moresemi-annular projections extending radially inward from the c-shapeddistal end region and to rebound radially inward when a proximal end ofthe rigid needle shield has moved distal to the one or more semi-annularprojections, and the one or more semi-annular projections is configuredto be disposed in a gap between a barrel of the syringe and the rigidneedle shield when the proximal end of the rigid needle shield has moveddistal to the one or more semi-annular projections.
 23. The assembly ofclaim 22, wherein the syringe contains medicament.
 24. The assembly ofclaim 22, wherein a proximal end of the syringe comprises a fingerflange.
 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the finger flange isspaced proximally from a proximal end of the syringe carrier when thesyringe is fully inserted in the syringe carrier.
 26. The assembly ofclaim 24, wherein the finger flange comprises a first portion thatextends radially outward a first distance in a first direction and asecond portion that extends radially outward a second distance in asecond direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, the firstdistance being greater than the second distance.
 27. The assembly ofclaim 26, wherein the proximal end of syringe carrier comprises a firstradial protrusion that aligns with the first portion of the fingerflange when the syringe is disposed in the syringe carrier.
 28. Theassembly of claim 27, wherein the proximal end of syringe carriercomprises a second radial protrusion opposite the first radialprotrusion, and a circumferential region of the syringe carrier betweenthe first and second radial protrusions is free of radial protrusions.